Korean J Dermatol.  2024 Feb;62(2):106-109.

Cutaneous Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Multiple Nodules: A Case Report

• Lee DH
• Gwag HE
• Park SY
• Hong N
• Kook HD
• Ahn J
• Park MY
• Jung HJ

Abstract

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) account for 2.4% of all adult malignancies. RCC is known for its aggressive nature, with approximately one-third of patients presenting with metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Cutaneous metastasis is a rare presentation of this cancer. A 78-year-old male presented with numerous erythematous nodules of various sizes on the left flank, which he had had for a month. He had undergone a left partial nephrectomy for papillary RCC 3 years previously and had been receiving chemotherapy since surgery. Histopathology revealed papillary architecture with prominent atypical nucleoli throughout the dermis. Immunohistochemical findings were positive for CD10, cytokeratin 7, PAX-8, vimentin, and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase. These results led to a diagnosis of cutaneous metastases of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Papillary RCC rarely presents with cutaneous metastases. Because these lesions are easily accessible, cutaneous lesions in patients with risk factors for RCC should be excised and pathologically evaluated.

Keyword

Metastasis; Papillary renal cell carcinoma; Renal cell carcinoma